Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Dear Jocelyn,I usually do not do this, but I definitely need advice. I've been with my boyfriend for almost 3 years, and I have never been with anyone else. However, he has cheated on me with two other females. We just had a beautiful baby boy. We have been butting heads—every weekend he thinks I always have something to complain about; however, I think my concerns are reasonable to bring up and discuss. At this point in time, he has stated that he is fed up and wants to go separate ways, but this is the last thing I want since I grew up without a father figure around the house (and of course because I am truly in love with him). On the other hand, my mom does not like him; she always has comments about everything and anything and is always complaining—nothing is ever good enough for her. She is miserable and she thinks I am obligated to give her things I have and take her everywhere I go. I definitely think she is the reason that I am the way I am. My mom's ways are ruining my life. I don't want to be miserable, single, and raising my son without both parents together and happy. Please help!-Life Is Falling ApartDear Falling Apart,I see two problems in your letter—your relationship with your boyfriend, and your relationship with your mother. I'll address them one at a time. When reading your letter, I was fully set on advising you to leave your boyfriend behind and never see him again without a second thought until I read that you two have a son together; then my heart sank as I realized such advice would no longer be practical. Since you have a child, you two are forever joined by this new life you have created. I think you are right in wishing to give your son a father, and that means staying in close proximity to this fellow so that your son can see him often. However, all of this does not mean you must marry him, or even continue to date him—if you do, your future relationship will most likely be one of heartache and pain. Your boyfriend has made it clear to you that he does not love you. He might enjoy your company, and say that he loves you, but his past infidelities mean he has not made the wholehearted commitment that love requires to survive. He has also stated to you that he is "fed up" and wants to leave. This, again, is a clear sign that he does not love you. I want you to change your mindset for a moment. Right now you are lovesick for him, pining after this man that has cheated on you twice and has expressed a desire to leave. Consider this: as the woman in this relationship, you are the one he should be pursuing. While being the woman does mean working hard in the relationship and sometimes fighting for your man, all I see here is a disinterested man getting away with whatever he wants because he has a woman who loves him no matter what he does to her.Go to your boyfriend and state that you are leaving (or at least agree to separate). Work out visitation for your son so that he gets to be with his father frequently. Move on from this man, and develop your own interests. Visit a counselor and work through your feelings of low self-worth; she can also help you sort out your relationship with your mother. Speaking of your mother, you say she is ruining your life, and she is miserable. You are an adult with a child—it is time you learn how to have an adult relationship with your mother. First, consider the advice she has given you—is it actually wrong, or do you just disregard it because it’s coming from her? Second, when she begins complaining and acting miserable, end the conversation. If you are on the phone, say you must be going and you will talk later. If you are visiting, change the topic. If she insists on continuing, stand up and leave. Your obligation to your mother is to be respectful and to care for her if she needs it, not to sit and listen to continual complaining. With both of these relationships, think of the example you want to set for your son. Do you want him to see his mother in a relationship where she lets herself be cheated on? Or in a relationship where she is a doormat? Of course not; you want him to see you as someone who is strong and knows that she is worthy of respect.-Jocelyn

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Why Ask Jocelyn?

I give direct, honest advice that is influenced by both my experience as a Licensed Professional Counselor and my beliefs as a Christian.

Disclaimer: While I have years of training and experience in psychology and counseling, nothing on this blog is a substitute for professional help. This blog is for information and entertainment purposes only; for more than that, please consult your local counselor.